And while plenty of students get no sex ed at all (only 24 states and Washington, D.C., even require it), more and more are only exposed to “abstinence-focused” curricula that serve up shame and heteronormativity—and fail to provide much-needed information about sexual health, healthy relationships, consent and contraception.
The Trump administration is now trying to accelerate this trend by pumping money into abstinence programs that have been scientifically proven not to work. And what you don’t know *can* hurt you: Experts say that denying people basic information about a normal part of health and development threatens their basic human rights, by withholding information they need to protect themselves.
The truth is, at home and at school, the standard birds ‘n’ bees sex talk just isn’t cutting it anymore. Times have definitely changed—and teens need answers to all of the topics swirling in their heads, like how to navigate dealing with shifting identities and sexual orientation, managing STI risk and understanding what consent really means.
While you can always look stuff up on Reddit, YouTube and Quora, turning to strangers’ advice over the internet isn’t the safest idea when you have serious questions about your health.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Now loading: Meditation mode
Haven't tried it yet? Here's your start-this-second strategy to find your center, no matter the strom.
Spread some cheer (here and there and everywhere)
You know that girl who's always bringing the holiday hype? Oh wait...that's you!
How to eat more vegetables (even if you truly hate them)
GOING DAYS—OR EVEN, YIKES, WEEKS—WITHOUT A SINGLE GREEN? THIS ONE’S FOR YOU.
THIS IS THE YEAR YOU CHANGE THE WORLD
It's exciting to be a part of the generation people say will transform the future.
NEW YEAR'S resolutions officially OUT
What's in, you ask? New Year's intentions, aka the strategy that'll *actually* make all your end-of-December dreams come true.
"Ugh! My family is so...
OK. we're just going to say it: It's valid to sometimes get furiously frustrated and downright disappointed with your nearest and dearest. (Take that as permission to feel *all* your feels rn.) Our gift to you? Breaking down these daunting holiday dynamics so you can get back to being a fa-la-la family again.
Dear Carol
CRUSHING ON A POPULAR BOY There is this boy I've been crushing on.
YOUR 2025 CONFIDENCE GLOW-UP
Sure, you could whisper some mantras, ask your besties to gas you up and listen to \"Bejeweled\" on repeat...or you could try these simple (but srsly effective) hacks for making 2025 your most confident era yet.
GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK
Hunter L., 16, is really tired. Not the kind of tired when you stay up scrolling on TikTok, but tired of, well, being a teenager.
READ THIS before you hard launch
You and your crush are one what-are-we convo away from making it official...except for that one thing.